Turn Off the Screens and Try These Games for Kids

As parents fret over the approach of summer, there are plenty of ways to help kids enjoy the school-free days without a reliance on screens.

Recent research suggests that increased screen time leads to increases in anxiety and depression among babies, children, teens, and young adults. Research also demonstrates that the distractions found on screens (including the constant “pop-ups”) are changing the wiring of our brains. Studies indicate that on-line usage increases the quick decision function of our brain. However, the part of the brain used for deep thinking, concentration, and recalling information is falling into neglect.

Therefore, setting limits on screen time is essential – for children and adults.

However, parents often wonder – what should my children do if they are not on their devices?

Invite your kids (including your teens) to play a game with you. Family game time is a great way to replace the mind-numbing, anxiety producing electronic screens. And, family games can be fun, they can be educational, and most of all, they can build relationships within the family!

So, for those summer days and tranquil evenings, here are some of our family’s favorite game recommendations for all ages:

Pre-K

Chutes & Ladders

Old Maid

Blocks – the old fashioned wooden toy

Trouble

Thomas the Tank Engine/Brillo wooden train sets

Go Fish

Puzzles

Simon Says

Candy Land

Elementary Ages

Guess Who

Sorry

Allowance (this game is similar to the Game of Life but for younger ages)

Five Crowns (card game with special deck of cards)

Uno

Uno Attack or Uno Spin

Apples to Apples Jr.

Spot It (special deck of cards)

Chess

Checkers

Snorta

Middle School Ages

Quiddler (card game with a special deck of cards)

Clue

Mad Gab

Cribbage

Monopoly (not my favorite – but some of my kids love it)

Qwirkle

Chess

Farkle

Left-Center-Right

Rummy Cube

Mastermind

High School Ages

Scattergories

Taboo

Scrabble

Banned WordsCard games

Risk

Fun for the Whole Family

Farkle

Left-Center-Right

Rummy Cube

Jenga

Trivial Pursuit Family Edition

Charades

Pictionary

Outburst